Earth Day Hospitality: Good Planets are Hard to Find

On, April 22 in 1970, 20 million Americans took a stand to fight for a better planet by demonstrating for a healthier, sustainable environment. The movement was created by Wisconsin Senator Gaylord Nelson with an idea to educate the public about the growing pollution forcing the matter to gain recognition on the political agenda. Ultimately, this national environmental sit-in led to the creation of the Environmental Protection Agency, the Clean Air and Water Act, and the Endangered Species Act in the United States. Earth Day is now the largest civic event world wide, bringing together 184 countries and celebrated by people of different cultures, backgrounds, and faiths.

On Sunday, in honor of Earth Day, I took it upon myself to clean the Mission Hill Woods located in my neighborhood. With the help of my dog and a reggae playlist, I spent two hours cleaning the area. I successfully filled 3 large trash bags, and I also acquired a shopping cart, a shower curtain rod, and a television. The Mission Hill Woods is land donated to the people of Boston by the New England Baptist Church as an initiative to keep Boston green.

You may be asking yourself what does Earth Day have to do with hospitality? In my opinion, the Earth has been very hospitable to us all. Today, Earth is home to 7 billion people and as far as science has explored we know there is no other place like Earth in this universe. Most days we get caught up in the hustle and bustle of life. Today, on the 45th anniversary of Earth Day I encourage you take some time and acknowledge this beautiful, significant place we call home. Make sure you take a moment today to appreciate what Earth has to offer.

Here's a list what you can do to celebrate Earth Day today:

Go outside.

Plant a tree.

Do yoga in the park

Go to a festival

Visit a National Park - over 400 nationwide (and their all free until the 26th).